Stamps Scholars annual value: Approximately  $22,246 + tuition reduction to in-state rate + $15,000 enrichment fund
Four-year value: Approximately $204,000

McNair Scholars annual value: $22,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate + $12,000 enrichment fund
Four-year value: $188,000

Horseshoe Scholars annual value: $11,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: $132,000

The Stamps, McNair and Horseshoe Scholars Awards are the most prestigious awards offered by the university to nonresidents. Forty-five nonresident students with strong academic records and leadership qualities will be invited to participate in an interview weekend. Five will be named Stamps Scholars, 20 will be named McNair Scholars, and up to 20 will be named Horseshoe Scholars. Candidates must participate in the entire Top Scholars Weekend to be considered for these awards. Last year, nonresident Top Scholars had an average SAT score of 1550 (ACT score of 35) and an average high school GPA of 4.8 and were in the top 1% of their high school class, on average. Recipients qualify for the in-state tuition rate. The Top Scholars Awards are the most prestigious awards at the university. Approximately, 45 out-of-state students with strong academic records who are leaders in their high schools and communities will be invited to participate in an interview weekend.

Please note: To apply for these scholarships, both an application for general university admission and an Honors College application supplement must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. All students are encouraged to complete the general admissions application by October 15. A separate Honors College application supplement must be completed for Top Scholars award consideration no later than November 15.

Annual value: Up to $6,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate.
Four-year value: Up to $112,984

The university awards scholarships to National Merit Finalists. The competition for these awards begins with taking the PSAT/NMSQT in the junior year of high school. To be eligible, National Merit Finalists must list the University of South Carolina as their first choice through the National Merit Corporation by the stated deadline. The annual award value includes $500 sponsored by the National Merit Corporation, if applicable. The Provost Scholars Award may be combined with another general university award.

Annual value: $8,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $120,000

Sponsored by the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, these awards signify outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, talent and service. In 2023, recipients of this award had an average SAT score of 1550 (ACT score of 35) and an average high school GPA of 4.8 and were in the top 2% of their high school class, on average.

Note: A separate Honors College application supplement must be completed by Nov. 15 to be considered for the Stamps, McNair, Horseshoe and Alumni Scholars Awards.

Annual value: $4,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $104,000

Recipients of the Elite Award had an average SAT score of 1560 (ACT score of 35) and an average high school GPA of 4.7 and were in the top 2% of their high school class, on average.

Annual value: $2,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $96,000

Recipients of the Excellence Award had an average SAT score of 1520 (ACT score of 34) and an average high school GPA of 4.6 and were in the top 5% of their high school class, on average.

Annual value: $500 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $90,000

Recipients of the Superlative Award had an average SAT score of 1430 (ACT score of 32) and an average high school GPA of 4.7 and were in the top 8% of their high school class, on average.

Annual value: $500 + tuition reduction
Four-year value: more than $63,000

Recipients of the Distinction Award had an average SAT score of 1390 (ACT score of 31) and an average high school GPA of 4.4 and were in the top 10% of their high school class, on average. Recipients of this award receive a significant tuition reduction of nearly half of the nonresident rate.

Annual value: $500 + tuition reduction
Four-year value: more than $41,000

Recipients of the Merit Award had an average SAT score of 1330 (ACT score of 29) and an average high school GPA of 4.4 and were in the top 15% of their high school class, on average. Recipients of this award receive a significant tuition reduction.

Annual value: $500 + tuition reduction
Four-year value: more than $22,716

Recipients of the Recognition Award had an average SAT score of 1300 (ACT score of 28) and an average high school GPA of 4.6 and were in the top 20% of their high school class, on average. Recipients of this award receive a tuition reduction.